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Enjoy a warm welcome in Arizona

Culinary and sporting excellence

A cyclist pedals on Roosevelt Street along the Roosevelt Row neighbourhood in Phoenix. The neighbourhood is home to First Friday Art Walk, a Phoenix tradition since 1994, promoting local artists and shops.

When we pulled into the parking lot at Jobing. com Arena (formerly Glendale Arena) just north of downtown Phoenix, it felt like home, except without the snow. Of the three vehicles parked in front of us, two sported Saskatchewan plates and one revealed Alberta's familiar Wild Rose tag. We were at the arena to watch the Flames take on the Phoenix Coyotes so we expected a taste of home, but maybe not this much.

Perhaps we should have. According to Arizona tourism stats, over 125,000 Albertans visit the desert state each year. The flights are quick - leave here in the morning and you're having lunch in the sun a few hours later - and plentiful. Many Albertans have purchased second homes in the desert and others simply like to warm up for a few days during winter. So, tempted by winter golf, good Mexican food and hockey, a group of friends and I ventured south to Phoenix.

We spent most of our four-day visit in Scottsdale but we wheeled our way around the immense city to indulge in the culinary and golfing pleasures of the area. And we saw many fellow Canucks soaking up the sun and the margaritas - the cheers were louder for the Flames than the Coyotes that night.

Where to Eat

Mexican cuisine is great in the Phoenix area; it's rich with the flavours of roasted chilies and corn. It also comes with tangy margaritas and usually a low price. And there are many different styles of it. We tried a few on our visit.

Frank & Lupes4121 N. Marshall Way, Scottsdale, 480-990-9844

Carne adobada burritos and shrimp enchiladas filled our plates at this classic Scottsdale restaurant. We sipped margaritas under the warm winter sky and had our fill of smoky chilies, creamy guacamole and hot, deep-fried sopaipillas drenched in honey. One of the group declared his adobada burrito of slow-cooked pork to be the best thing he had eaten all year.

Gallo Blanco Cafe401 W. Clarendon Avenue, Phoenix, 602-327-0880

Chef/owner Doug Robson puts his own spin on Mexican food featuring local ingredients in funky setting at the boutiqued Clarendon Hotel. Breakfast of chilaquiles verdes (chicken with two sunny-side-up eggs, fresh cheese, and chili verde salsa) is a treat, especially with freshly squeezed orange juice.

As traditional as they come, Pedros has been serving burritos and enchiladas for decades. The plates are overloaded with well-prepared, saucy food. No surprises here except just how very cheap and filling it is.

Joes Real BBQ301 N. Gilbert Road, Gilbert, 480-503-3805

One cannot live on enchiladas alone so we indulged in southern barbecue at Joes. The lineup to order is long but the pulled pork and saucy ribs smoked over pecan wood are worth the wait.

We took it up a few notches one night at Talavera, a contemporary steak house in the Four Seasons in Scottsdale. Much more comfortable and casual than it sounds - and with an outstanding view Talavera produced a memorable meal that included a veal porterhouse with lobster Bearnaise ($38) and a sparkling prawn cocktail ($14) after a great round of golf at Troon North.

Where to Stay

The Talking Stick Resort at 9800 East Indian Road, Scottsdale (talkingstickresort.com) made a great location for our golfing adventures. With easy access off Highway 101, it's a quick drive to the airport and to other Phoenix sites. Talking Stick also has two golf courses perfect to stretch out winter muscles on and offers good golfers breakfasts and lunches.

Where to Golf

The Phoenix area offers a mind-boggling array of golf options with almost 250 courses at all price ranges. Savvy visitors say the best time to golf is late spring, just as Phoenix starts to heat up.

Regardless, deals can be had year-round and the quality of courses is outstanding.

ASU Karsten1125 East Rio Salado Parkway, Tempe, 480-921-8070

Our favourite round was at Arizona States course, fitted out by Pete Dye with every challenge in the game. Used as a training ground for students and pros alike, its tricky but fair. (Good lunch too!)

A cyclist pedals on Roosevelt Street along the Roosevelt Row neighbourhood in Phoenix. The neighbourhood is home to First Friday Art Walk, a Phoenix tradition since 1994, promoting local artists and shops.

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